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Archived press release

GM Moratorium Holds

8 December 2003

Scientists disagree over safety of modified sweet corn

Friends of the Earth today welcomed the decision by European countries not to break its de facto moratorium on new GM foods. An EU regulatory committee today failed to support a proposal by the

European Commission to approve a controversial genetically modified sweet corn, despite the UK Food Standards Agency voting in favour. Friends of the Earth described the decision as a "victory for public safety and common sense".

RESULTS:

• Six countries in favour (33 votes) : Spain, UK, Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Ireland
• Three abstained (25 votes): Germany, Belgium, Italy
• Six countries against (29 votes): Denmark, Greece, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal, France

Friends of the Earth had criticised the European Commission for proposing that the GM sweet corn, which has been modified to produce its own insecticide and is also resistant to a herbicide, should be allowed into shops in Europe. In particular the environmental group was concerned that:

• The new labelling and traceability regulations are still not in place
• The proposal bypasses the new GMO approval process which is more thorough and includes post-approval monitoring of health effects.
• Serious safety questions have not been fully addressed. These include concerns about whether the genes had been inserted as expected, criticisms that the safety conclusions made by Syngenta have not been proven, and questions over whether the toxin produced by the corn will cause allergies.

Friends of the Earth GM Campaigner Clare Oxborrow said:

"There is clearly no scientific consensus over the safety of this modified sweet corn. The decision not to approve it is a victory for public safety and common sense.

"The European Commission and particularly the UK Government now has the opportunity to re-think its position. The public doesn't want to eat GM foods and question marks remain over its safety. The Commission must put the well-being of European citizens and their environment before the business interests of the US Government and the biotech industry."

For further information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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